Fake ID and Offences Committed by Persons Under 18 Who Purchase or Attempt to Purchase Alcohol
When a customer, who requests the sale of alcohol, appears to be aged 21 or under it is good practice to ask them to provide proof of their age.
The only forms of identification that you should accept are ones with a photograph and from the following list:
a. A valid photo drivers licence; or
b. A valid passport; or
c. A recognised proof of age scheme card bearing the PASS hologram logo.
To assist below are documents that you can download to help you determine if one of the above is genuine or not:
The UK Photo Driving Licence explained
The 5 Step Checking Process For PASS ID Cards
Any identity documents provided should be checked for the following:
a. Photo matches the holder
b. Date of birth makes the holders age 18 or over
c. It is current and valid
d. It has not been tampered with
e. It is not a fake
When checking IDs make sure that you ask the holder to remove it from any wallet or purse. A good colour copy can look genuine if in a wallet behind a clear plastic film.
Section 149 of the Licensing Act 2003 states " An individual aged under 18 commits an offence if he buys or attempts to buy alcohol". This means any one under the age of 18 who attempts to purchase alcohol, with or without a fake ID, commits an offence where they could face a fine of up to £1,000.
Penalty Notices for Disorder can be issued by the police to persons under 18 who purchases, or attempt to purchase, alcohol as well as anyone over 18 who purchases, or attempts to purchase, alcohol for a person under 18.
Offences with a penalty of £80 for 16 year olds and over (£40 for 10-15 year olds) include:
Buys or attempts to buy alcohol on behalf of a person aged under 18, S149(3), Licensing Act 2003
Buys or attempts to buy alcohol for consumption on relevant premises by a person aged under 18, S149(4), Licensing Act 2003
Offences with a penalty of £50 for 16 year olds and over (£30 for 10-15 year olds) include:
Buys or attempts to buy alcohol on behalf of a person aged under 18, S149(3), Licensing Act 2003
Buys or attempts to buy alcohol for consumption on relevant premises by a person aged under 18, S149(4), Licensing Act 2003
Consumption of alcohol by a person under 18 on relevant premises, S150(1), Licensing Act 2003
If a person, under 18, produces a fake ID in order to attempt to purchase alcohol, we suggest you retain the fake ID and call the Police. It is then the responsibility of the attending officers to determine what course of action they should take.
Always remember that if in doubt do not serve alcohol to anyone you think may be under 18 years old. If you do you could face a large fine, a review hearing, a court hearing, lose your Personal Licence and even could lose your Premises Licence.
If you have been presented with any fake IDs we would like to hear from you.
To assist in your due diligence you should be able to show that you and the staff working with you are aware and understand the law regarding under age sales of alcohol. Download the sample policy which you may wish to consider using in your premises.
Alcohol and Children Sample Policy
For samples of Valid Photo-ID please click here
The 5 Step Checking Process For PASS ID Cards
Links
Citizen Card - Proof of age scheme
The Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS)
Some samples of fake IDs currently available
Please note that these are common types of fakes but many more exist. Currently there is NOT a European Driving Permit, a European Identification Card, a National Identity Card, a United Kingdom Identification Card.
